Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Verified Accurate As Of: 11/19/2018

Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Kansas

Introduction

Earning your first driver's license is exciting for any teen! But before you enter the realm of driving, you first must earn your Kansas driver's license and prove that you are safe and responsible enough to be a member of the driving community.

Although the process for getting your Kansas driver's license may seem complicated, we've made it much easier to understand by explaining it step by step in a simple, easy-to-follow manner.

Let's get started.

New to Kansas?

Out-of-state learner's permits will not be accepted for transfer in Kansas. You must apply for a Kansas driver's permit or driver's license under the same regulations as a non-licensed teen, although the out-of-state permit or license may be used as a secondary form of identification.

About the KS Graduated Driver's License (GDL)

Kansas is one of many states that have adopted a Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program, where teens are required to take certain steps before obtaining their driver's license. Many of these milestones are age-related and easy to achieve―the first of which is getting your Kansas instruction permit.

Age Requirements

14 years old: eligible for instruction permit/learner's permit.

15 years old: eligible for restricted license/provisional license.

16 years old: eligible for less restricted license.

17 years old: eligible for non-restricted license.

Driver's Education in Kansas

Driver's education is only required if you want to get a restricted license. It is not required to earn your learner's permit or unrestricted license. If you pass a state-approved driver's education course, you are exempt from taking the written or driving tests. Driver's education is only available through school districts that have been approved by the KS Department of Education.

Learner's Permit

You can apply for your learner's permit when you're 14 years old. In order to get your instruction permit, visit your local DMV office and:

As mentioned above if you have completed a driver's ed course the written test will be waived. If you need to take the written exam the DMV suggests studying the Kansas Driver Manual. If you would like to take your preparation to the next level, try an online practice test from our certified partner. You'll pass no problem and they guarantee it.

Behind-the-Wheel Training

Once you have obtained your learner's permit, you must complete at least 25 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice before you are eligible to apply for your restricted driver's license. These hours must be driven with a licensed driver at least 21 years old who holds a valid driver's license.

Kansas Provisional License

If you're at least 15 years old, you've held your learner's permit for 1 year, and you've completed at least 25 hours of supervised driving, it's time to get your provisional license. You'll need to visit your local DMV office and:

KS Farming Permits and Licenses

Kansas offers specific licenses for teens that live and work on farms. If you're between 14 years old and 17 years old, and you live or are employed on a farm (parcel of land larger than 20 acres used in agricultural operations), visit your local DMV office and:

After obtaining your farm permit, you can drive under the following age-related conditions:

14 years old and 15 years old

To and from any farm-related work.

To and from school, following the most direct and accessible route.

When accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old who holds a valid driver's license.

When driving, you cannot have any non-sibling passengers, and you cannot text or talk on a cell phone unless for an emergency.

16 years old

During this time you may drive:

Between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

To and from work.

To and from authorized school or religious activities.

Only when you're accompanied in the front seat by an adult at least 21 years old who holds a valid driver's license.

Restrictions include the following:

You can drive with only 1 passenger outside your family who is under 18 years old.

You're forbidden from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, unless for emergency purposes.

Car Insurance in Kansas

Having car insurance is required by law and is very important in protecting yourself financially if involved in an accident. Adding a teen driver may significantly increase the cost of auto insurance premiums, so it is a good idea to check with multiple car insurance companies to find the best coverage.

Learner's Permit Insurance

Teens with permits may be covered under the insurance of the adult licensed driver who is riding with them. It is important to contact your insurance company to verify that the teen driver is covered when operating the vehicle. If not, you may wish to strongly consider getting an insurance policy that covers the teen driving with a permit.

Provisional License and Unrestricted Driver's License Insurance

Teen drivers are required to show proof of insurance in order to get their restricted and unrestricted licenses. Teens may be added to an existing family policy, a parent's policy, or they may get their own coverage.

There may be opportunities for teens and their families to qualify for discounts from insurance companies. For more information about discounts, rates, and coverage, visit our following guides: